Forgive me for missing your birthday, PaulI had an accident.
Sorry, Paul, for not showing up the other day, Vincent said, downing a gulp of pastis in one swift swallow. I ran over a kid on the road. He continued, I was at a construction site, got into my car, barely cleared the curb when a little boy leapt onto my hood.
Can you believe it? I asked. Luckily I wasnt speeding.
I rushed out, saw the child still alive, asked if he was okay and he answered that everything was fine. A small redhaired boy, not more than six.
Where are your parents? I pressed.
Moms at home, he replied, shes preparing dinner.
Lets go then, I suggested, well talk to your mother and sort this out. He led me to his building, pointed out his apartment door and slipped behind me. I rang the bell; a woman opened. She was striking, an unusual charm, but her expression was muted.
Excuse me, I began, something happened. Please dont worry, I hit your son with my car. Hes alright; here he is, I called the boy forward. Would you like to call the police?
No need for police, she said softly. This is already the fifth time hes done that.
How? I wondered.
Marc, go to your room, she ordered her son firmly. Come into the kitchen, please. Tea? Or perhaps coffee?
Her tea, infused with herbs, was delicious.
Sorry, Isabelleher nametold me, a few days ago Marc overheard me telling a friend how hard it is to live without a husband, and he decided to find us a dad that way. Youre at least the fifth man hes tried this on. He almost gave two of them a heart attack. I tell him hes the only one who matters to me, but hes stubborn, just like his grandfatheralways a plan, never letting go. The car isnt badly damaged? I could cover the repairs if you want.
I stood there, looking at her, and realized I was falling in love. You wont believe it, Paul, but for the first time I see the woman of my lifetired, in a bathrobe, natural. I feel that if I lose her, I might as well jump off the roof.
I know it sounds ridiculous, but would you let me invite you and Marc to the cinema to make up for this?
Its unnecessary, she replied. You know Marc could imagine things again.
Do I not please you? I asked.
Its not that. Its just in another setting it feels like Im sending my son to jump under cars to find a husband. Its shameful.
Yes, and Id look like a profiteer of the situation, I joked. Now were heading to hell together. But if thats the case, maybe we could go burning on the same pyre?
I cant recall exactly what I said after that, but the next day I went to pick them up and we watched *Transformers* at the cinema, then dined out, and
In short, Paul, thats why Im here. Were getting married in June and need a photographer. Can you handle it? Look how photogenic they are.
Vincent pulled out his phone and showed a picture of a laughing, beautiful redhead sitting beside a little boy.
Now Im certain Cupid has no wings, but he does have freckles and two missing baby teeth, and his name is Marc. As for the surname well, Vincent will give him his soon enough. I have no doubt about that.
Forgive Me for Missing Your Birthday Celebration—I Had an Accident!
